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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Shoot Summ" data-source="post: 3889609" data-attributes="member: 1055">I take a different approach, I'm not a contribute as much as you can afford guy, unless you currently have no savings plan in place and/or no discipline in saving and investing.  I would always get the company match, that is "free money" until you withdraw that money hopefully later in life.  You are taxed when it is withdrawn, and penalized if it is before a certain age.Beyond that look at other ways to save that are tax deferred, but also keep in mind that you need to have accessible money put away, so tax deferred isn't the complete answer.If your company offers a High Deductible medical plan option with an HSA take a close look at it.  Many employers make a contribution to the HSA for you as well(more free money).  The high deductible plans can look scary, unless you've tracked your medical expenses.  I found that I had a similar out of pocket expenses yet ended up with a significant amount in the HSA.  Those funds can be used tax free for medical expenses when you retire.All of this is great, but your first step is to get your financial house in order, know your income and expenses, and what you can save.  There are a number of great tools, I like mint.com from Intuit, check it everyday, know your finances.To summarize, invest in tax deferred plans and get free money, but do not put all of your eggs in one basket.  Get the match from your employer on 401K's and HSA.  Look at Roth IRA's if they are available as well.  Build a post tax savings and investment fund, find a good balance of pre, and post tax savings.</blockquote>

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